North Carolina party rockers Valient Thorr released a brand new record via Volcom Entertainment on 6/18/2013 entitled “Our Own Masters.” It’s available physically on CD and Slime Green colored vinyl.

When Volcom Entertainment passed me a copy of the album to review, the first thing I imagined once the opening track of “Immaculate Con sumption” started to play was a visual of the recording process with Valient Himself in the studio going absolutely nuts like he does during his live shows while in this “professional” environment of making this record.

I’ve seen Thorr many times and I will say that one doesn’t simply “see” V.Thorr, they “experience” V.Thorr. I actually have spoken to many a Thorrior about how at first we weren’t too big on the band when hearing them on record but once we saw the live show and how insane it is, we gave it another shot and were instantly won over, hooked.for.life!! “Our Own Masters” picks up right where their last record “Stranger” left off, more jams about positivity, partying, surreal moments, partying, taking action, partying etc. 12 tracks of new songs that tackle the serious issues we face such as our nation being a bunch of zombie consumers who buy material items that we don’t need (Immaculate Consumption), dealing with everyday life (Torn Apart) and evil things (Life Hands You Demons) among others. Track list is as follows:

– Immaculate Consumption

– Master Collider

– Manipulation

– No Strings Attached

– Life Hands You Demons

– Torn Apart

– Cerebus

– Good News Bad News

– Insatiable

– Crowdpleaser

– Nervous Energy

– Call off the Dogs

“Cerebus” is by far my favorite track on the album. The dueling guitar melody’s and Valient’s chant of “Cerberus don’t bite the hand that feeds ya,” leaves even the most impotent metal head aware that Thorr was probably blasting Van Halen’s 1984 while coming up with this one!

I can see Valient Thorr as a minimalists, people without needing much to have a good time. Hell, look at the “Torn Apart” video (link below): a cabin, dudes and ladies, beer and a bonfire and they’re stoked! That’s why “Immaculate Conception” is a perfect opening track to the album. An over the top rock out against mass materialism and corporate cock sucking of the highest pedigree.

All in all, this album is a great follow up to Strangers and will only get new fans of them once virgin ears have been penetrated by “Our Own Masters.” They’re currently on tour with Gypsyhawk and Ramming Speed and will be doing more dates in the following months to come.

Video for their debut single debut and you can pick up the album at the link below.

Working at my local record store I have encountered a numerous amount of people who share my passions and it makes me pleased that the turntable and it's sonic capabilities is still the choice for audio enjoyment for the masses.

In general, the purpose of this blog is for people to share their passion for HiFi equipment (analog or digital) via a contributory write up and a JPEG of what they're raving about, as well as a few titles they are currently listening too and would like to get the word out.

Digital person or analog person it doesn't matter. The subject of HiFi and what device is capable of reproducing the best sound is a subjective topic. Fact is, you still listen to music because you love it. Let's hear how you prefer to tune in, turn off and drop out.